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HIGH SCHOOL FOOTBALL: Bobcats have pep in their step on Day 1 of workouts

The Central High School football team was the final team in the Concho Valley to start workouts and judging by the mood of the Bobcats Monday at San Angelo Stadium, they were thrilled to get things going.

Central head coach Brent Davis, who is enters his eighth season with a record of 53-29 (64.6 percent) at the school, liked what he saw from his troops.

'Most of them came back in good shape,' the Central coach said. 'I thought what we did outside was really good. We picked up almost exactly where we left off in the spring. Offensively and defensively the kids were flying around and getting after it.'

The Bobcats coach said what pleased him the most about his players on Monday was 'the overall energy and the overall enthusiasm.'

Central is coming off back-to-back 11-2 seasons. The Bobcats reached the regional semifinals for the second straight year and Texas Football magazine has projected they will be the District 2-6A champions.

The Bobcats have won at least a share of the district title for the past three seasons, but they know that doesn't guarantee anything in 2016.

'We've had some really good football teams in the last five years, but none of that really matters this year,' Davis said. 'This is a whole different deal. It's a different group with different leaders.

'These guys have to step up and take over for us to continue our success. They understand that and we're looking forward to seeing what this group can do.'

Coming off a great season in 2015 that saw him earn first-team all-district accolades as a slot receiver, Central senior Cal Vincent is taking over as the Bobcats' starting quarterback.

The 6-foot-2, 180-pounder showed good precision with his passes and his receivers made some impressive receptions.

'I was just glad to get back out there with all the guys,' Vincent said. 'I think everyone had a lot of energy, especially the defense. Everyone was pretty rowdy out there.

'I'm real excited. I think we have a really good chance to do something special this year.'

Central senior linebacker Gehrig Scott wasn't healthy during spring workouts and was anxious to get back out on the field.

'All summer, we've been out here working out and everything and it's nice to see all of our work pay off and come together and play the game we love,' said Scott, who also earned first-team all-district honors last season.

'We all know that there's a lot riding on our backs. We have a lot of expectations to live up to and we're ready to fulfill them.'

The Bobcats open the season at home against Abilene High, the only team that beat them in the regular season last year, at 7:30 p.m. Aug. 26.

Central opens District 2-6A play Sept. 30 against Odessa High for homecoming.